also: しぶづら · しぶつら
noun, noun which may take the genitive case particle 'no'
grimace; sullen face
Describes a facial expression showing displeasure, bitterness, or reluctance. Often used in literary or descriptive contexts.
彼は渋面を作って、その提案を聞いていた。
He listened to the proposal with a grimace.
渋面のまま、彼女は仕方なく同意した。
With a sullen face, she reluctantly agreed.
Alternate reading using kun'yomi; less common than じゅうめん.
しかめ面 is more common in everyday speech for a frown or grimace, while 渋面 is more literary and emphasizes bitterness or reluctance.
Compound of 渋 (astringent, bitter) and 面 (face). The reading じゅうめん is on'yomi, while しぶづら/しぶつら mix kun'yomi. The exact historical derivation is uncertain.